Member Introduction
- Member Introduction
Principal Investigator
HISHIMOTO Akitoyo
Uniting Clinical Care and Research to Transform Mental Health
Through research integrating psychiatry and molecular biology, we aim to elucidate the biological underpinnings of mental disorders such as suicide, depression, and schizophrenia. Using cutting-edge techniques such as epigenome analysis and single-cell analysis, we focus especially on vulnerabilities in young people. Building on extensive clinical experience, we also work in child and adolescent psychiatry and dementia care, promoting social implementation in collaboration with government and industry partners. In education, we emphasize training human resources with strong ethical values and social responsibility.
Affiliation：
- Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University
- Professor and Head, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kobe University Hospital
- Director, Comprehensive Child and Adolescent / AYA Mental Health Care Center, Kobe University Hospital
- Director, Dementia Disease Center, Kobe University Hospital
R&D Item 1-1 — Principal Investigator
FURUYASHIKI Tomoyuki
Decoding the Brain–Body “Dialogue” at the Molecular and Pharmacological Level
We are conducting research to safeguard mental health from a pharmacological perspective. Focusing on brain substances and neural functions that regulate mood, emotions, and stress, we investigate what occurs in the brain during mental disorders such as depression. To achieve this, we use animal models and advanced technologies that allow detailed observation of cells and the entire brain, analyzing interactions between the brain and body from multiple perspectives. In this project, we aim to clarify the types of stress and the mechanisms that regulate them.
Affiliation：
- Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
- Professor Emeritus, Kobe University / Specially Appointed Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University
R&D Item 1-2 — Principal Investigator
MAKINODAN Manabu
Shaping the Future of Mental Health Understanding and Treatment Through Multi-Layered Data
We are working to elucidate the fundamental pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Focusing on the impact of early-life experiences on brain development and myelination, we conduct advanced analyses using multi-layered data—including psychological assessments and omics data—ranging from molecular and cellular levels to brain function. Leveraging clinical insights for patient stratification, we extend our findings into translational research, aiming to unravel complex disease mechanisms and to develop personalized treatments and novel diagnostic methods.
Affiliation：
- Professor, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
- Professor, Division of Transformative and Integrative Psychiatry, Center for Research on Mental and Neurological Disorders, Fujita Health University
- Professor（Concurrent）, Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University
R&D Item 2-1 — Principal Investigator
OTSUKA Ikuo
Challenging the Interplay of Genes and Environment to Preserve Mental Well-Being
Suicide and suicide attempts are pressing social issues among younger generations, thought to arise from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environment, and stress. Through epigenetics, we aim to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying suicide risk. We focus especially on mechanisms that are acquired and potentially reversible, with the goal of developing new preventive and therapeutic approaches in the future, including innovative applications of existing medications for improved care.
Affiliation：
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine / Institute for Advanced Study, Kobe University
R&D Item 2-2 — Principal Investigator
MIYAZAKI Tomoyuki
Bridging Research and Clinical Care through Visual Technologies
We are conducting research to visualize brain changes associated with psychiatric disorders. Using PET technology targeting AMPA receptors, we examine how brain function is altered in depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. By clarifying disease-specific differences and their relationship to symptom severity, we aim to contribute to future diagnostic methods and personalized treatments. Through initiatives such as COI-NEXT (the Program for Co-Creation Hub Formation), we also work in collaboration with academia, industry, and government to bring these findings into society.
Affiliation：
- Professor and Director, Division of Project Promotion, Research and Industry–University Cooperation Promotion Center, Yokohama City University
- Vice President (Special Appointment), Yokohama City University
- Assistant to the President, Yokohama City University
- Project Leader, “Mind1020Lab,” JST Co-Creation Field Formation Support Program
R&D Item 3-1 — Principal Investigator
TERADA Tsutomu
Creating an IT-embedded Everyday Life towards Smiling Tomorrows
We are investigating IT technologies that enrich human life, particularly wearable and ubiquitous computing. Our work focuses on developing systems that allow people to use information seamlessly and technologies that interpret intentions from body movements. By integrating diverse sensors and feedback methods, we explore innovative ways of information presentation and natural interaction. Through these studies, we aim to address critical issues in health, medicine, and welfare, contributing to “smarter and more comfortable living in the future.
Affiliation：
- Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University
- Visiting Researcher (Concurrent), Center for Social Information Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University
- Board Member (Concurrent), NPO Wearable Computer Research and Development Organization
- Board Member, Information Processing Society of Japan (IPSJ)
- Board Member, Japan Society for Software Science and Technology (JSSST)
- Steering Committee Member, International Symposium on Wearable Computers (ISWC)
- Steering Committee Member, Augmented Humans International Conference (AHs)
- Area Advisor, JST ACT-X Program (Strategic Basic Research Programs)
R&D Item 4-1 — Principal Investigator
SHINEHA Ryuma
Reimagining Technology and Society Toward a Sustainable Future
Our research addresses ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of technology, with a focus on responsible research and innovation (RRI). In particular, we analyze and propose policies and frameworks for emerging scientific fields such as life sciences and information technology, as well as the role of public knowledge. By reexamining not only the technologies themselves but also the surrounding institutions, media, and communication, we seek to create a society where everyone can safely and equitably benefit from advances in science and technology.
Affiliation：
- Associate Professor, Graduate School of Media Design, Keio University
- Visiting Professor, Yokohama City University
- Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Associate Professor, Center for the Study of Co-Design, Osaka University
- Collaborative Researcher, Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)
- Visiting Research Fellow, National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- Advisor, Moonshot Goal 8, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- Program Manager, Japan–France Advanced Science Symposium, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- Editorial Board Member, East Asian Science, Technology and Society: An International Journal
- Board Member, Society for Social Studies of Science and Technology (JSSTS)
- Committee Member, Ethical Issues Review Committee, National Survey on Children’s Health and Environment (Eco-Child Survey), Ministry of the Environment
Contact
For any inquiries or questions about this research,
please reach out to us through the form.